Wiki Category: Literature

The Stone of the Five Colours and the Empress Jokwa The Stone of the Five Colours and the Empress Jokwa is one of Japanese many folktales. Synopsis Empress Jokwa suceeds her brother Emperor Fuki, and stories about her said she once fixed the broken sky and the pillars which hold up[...]

Longevity Longevity (Chosei Furo – 長生不老) is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centered around a man known as Sentarō. Synopsis This tale has also been given the name of The Man who did not wish to die and goes as follow. There was a man called Sentarō and[...]

How an Old Man Lost his Wen How an Old Man Lost his Wen, known in Japanese as Kobutori Jiisan (こぶ取り爺) is one of many Japanese folktales. Synopsis There was an old man who had a lump (wen) growing out of his cheek and after seeking out many doctors and medicine none[...]

The Monkey and the Crab The Monkey and the Crab (さるかに合戦 saru kani gassen) is one of many Japanese folktales. Synopsis One day a monkey and a crab were playing on the beach. The crab found a rice-dumpling and the monkey a persimmon-seed. The monkey did not want the seed, but[...]

The Clever Boar and Monkey The Clever Boar and Monkey (賢い猿と猪) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province in Shinshin there was a man who travelled around making a living by taking a monkey and around and making it do tricks. One day he returns home angry, saying[...]

The Oni of Adachigahara The Oni of Adachigahara is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centering around an evil oni. Synopsis In Mutsu there was said to be oni who took the form of an old woman. People would go missing in the area and it was thought she was[...]

The Mirror of Matsuyama The Mirror of Matsuyama, known in Japanese as Matsuyama kagami (松山鏡) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province of Echigo lived a man and a wife who had one daughter aged seven. One day the man finds himself summoned to the capital in Kyoto,[...]

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in Japanese known as the Taketori Monogatari (竹取物語) is one of the famous folktales from Japan. Synopsis There was an old man and woman who had no child. He would go every day and cut bamboo and made[...]

Kintarō Kintarō (金太郎) is a Japanese folktale centered around the life of a boy with the same name as the story. There are several versions of this tale and as we come across more of them we will add them to the website. Synopsis There was a man called Kintoki who[...]

Hanasaka Jiji Hanasaka Jiji (花咲か爺) also called Hanasaka Jiisan (花咲か爺さん) is a folktale of Japan centred around a man who can make trees bloom. It has been translated into english as ‘The Story of the Old Man who made Withered Trees to Flower.’ There are many verisons of the tale (and[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tajima Mori Tajima Mori (田道間守) is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Suinin, and is said to be the ancestor of the Miyake no muraji.2 In the 90th year of his reign, he sends Tajima Mori to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: ōkannushi Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ōhatanushi Ōhatanushi is seen mentioned within the made Jinnō Shōtōki where it states he was made the first Head Priest (ōkannushi) of the Ise Grand Shrine.1 Footnotes 1. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Sarudabiko (ancestor) Birth: – Death: – Otanomikoto Otanomikoto also known as Okitama was a man mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki. He is said to have been a descendant of Sarudabiko and met with Yamatohime. During the establishment of the area to be used for the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess / Established the Ise Shrine Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Inishikinoiribiko (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Wakakiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatohime Yamatohime (倭比売命 / 倭姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime and is creditted with the establishment of the Ise Grand Shrine.1[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Five Daibu / saishu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ohokashima Ohokashima is a mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suinin. He is said to have been one of the Five Daibu alongside Hikokunifuku, Takehi no Muraji, Tochine no Ōmuraji and Takenumakahawake. They are gathered by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: General Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yatsunada Yatsunada was a general of Emperor Suinin and is seen mentioned in the nihongi. In the fifth year of the Emperors reign, Sahobiko, brother to the Emperors wife Sahobime approached his sister asking who is most dearest to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Amenohihoko Amenohihoko/Amanohihoko (天之日矛) was a prince from Silla who visit Japan during the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin’s reign. He was the great-grandfather of Kiyohiko. He brought a gift of three gems (Habuto, Ashidaka and Ukaka) as well[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Ikobayawake (son) Azamitsuhime (daughter) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Azaminoiribime Azaminoiribime (薊瓊入媛) was the daughter[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Nutarashiwake (daughter) Igatarashihiko (son) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Matonuhime (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nubatanoiribika Nubatanoiribika (渟葉田瓊入媛) was the daughter[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Yehime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Utakorihime Utakorihime (歌凝比売命) was the daughter of Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi.12 She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Yehime Yehime (媛) was the daughter of Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi. She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Kaguyahime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Wozabe Wozabe (袁那弁王) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Kaguyahime. This is related in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.[...]

For the woman from folklore see: Kaguya Hime. Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Wife Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Wozabe (son) Ohotsutsukitarine (father) Birth: – Death: – Kaguyahime Kaguyahime (迦具夜比売命) was the wife of Emperor Suinin and together the had a son by the name of Wozabe. This is seen in the kojiki. She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Azamitsuhime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Inasebiko Inasebiko (?) is said to have been the husband of Azamitsuhime according to the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press. 2. Chamberlain, B.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yamanobe no Ohotaka Yamanobe no Ohotaka is a man seen in the kojiki during the exploits to try and get Prince Homutsuwake to speak. Though the prince had grown into a man he still could not speak, however, one[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Sahobime (mother) Hinagahime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Homutsuwake Homutsuwake (誉津別命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Sahobime.123 Birth Nihongi Version Homutsuwake was born prior to the assassination attempt on his father’s life by his mother. His mother, mourning that[...]

Enenra Enenra (烟々羅 – Smokenet) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature was the smoke cast from fire to repel mosquitos away from the house of a poor man. The ‘En’ uses the kanji for smoke, with ‘Ra’ using the an archaic term for[...]

Kerakeraonna Kerakeraonna (倩兮女 – Cackling Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. She is depicted as some kind of giantess who is seen cackling over a wall. It appears that Sekien has merged two concepts together in the portrayal of this creature. A huge character[...]

Kageonna Kageonna (影女 – Shadow Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is the shadow of a woman which is cast on the shoji doors in haunted houses.1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online. Footnotes 1. Yoda,[...]

Jakotsubaba Jakotsubaba (蛇骨婆 – Snakebone Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The story concerning this creature related by Toriyama Sekien says that perhaps it comes from northern China as there are people there who bear a blue snake in their right hand and a[...]

Oshiroibaba Oshiroibaba (白粉婆 – Face Powder Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to be the handmaiden of the kami for beni and oshiroi (lipstick and facepowder) by the name of Jifun-senjō. In his depiction of this creature Sekien partly quotes[...]

Kokuribaba Kokuribaba (古庫裏婆 – Hag in the House) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to have been the wife of a head priest from several generations ago. Now she spends her time stealing the money and offerings made to the temple and[...]

Dorotabō Dorotabō (泥田坊 – Mudman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is described as a dark figure with three fingers (like an Oni) and only one eye who resides in one particular rice paddy. He is also heard to say the phrase “ta kaese![...]

Tōdaiki Tōdaiki (灯台鬼 – Candle Stick Demon) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This tale can be found in the Wakan Sansai Zue. This creature was made after Minister Karu (軽大臣) was sent to China as an envoy. Once he was there he was poisoned by[...]

Dōjōji no kane Dōjōji no kane (道成寺鐘 – The Bell of Dōjōji) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The story behind this creature relates to the priest Anchin and his love Kiyohime. Kiyohime was the daughter of a wealthy merchant family and that her and[...]

Tengu tsubute Tengu tsubute (天狗礫 – Tengu Gravel) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. Sekien states that ‘when the wind blows through mountains and valleys the valleys respond by loosing boulders.’1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online. Footnotes 1. Yoda, H.[...]

Hōkō Hōkō (彭侯 – Penghou) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is the spirit of a 1000 year old tree said to take the form of a black dog with no tail. Sekien in his information here is quoting a 4th century Chinese[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Caligrapher Family: Fujiwara no Tadanori (father) Birth: 1109AD Death: 1177AD Fujiwara no Norinaga Fujiwara no Norinaga (藤原 教長) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 1109-1077AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Tadanori and during his lifetime[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Nobunari (father) Birth: c.1130 Death:  c.1200 Inpumon’in no Tayū Inpumon’in no Tayū (殷富門院大輔) was a Japanese poet and daughter to Fujiwara no Nobunari who lived from c.1130-c.1200. During her lifetime she served Princess Ryoshi. She was held in[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: 1090AD Death:  c.1179AD Priest Dōin Priest Dōin (道因), also known as Fujiwara no Atsuyori, was a japanese poet who lived from 1090-c.1179AD. He was known for being mean. In addition to being a poet he also reached the fifth court rank and[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Minister of the Left / Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Shunzei (uncle) Birth: 1139AD Death: 1191AD Fujiwara no Sanesada Fujiwara no Sanesada (藤原 実定) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. Living from 1139-1191AD he was the nephew of Fujiwara no Shunzei. His career was[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Korechika (father) Birth: 992AD Death: 1054AD   Fujiwara no Michimasa Fujiwara no Michimasa (藤原 道雅) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 992-1054AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Korechika and acted as Master of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Michitaka (husband) Fujiwara no Teishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Korechika (son) Birth: – Death: 996AD Takashina no Takako Takashina no Takako (高階 貴子) was a Japanese poet who died in 996AD. She was the wife of Fujiwara no Michitaka and mother to several children[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Commander of the Imperial Guard Family: Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (father) Fujiwara no Kaneie (adopted by) Fujiwara no Tadanobu (brother) Fujiwara no Kiminobu (brother) Fujiwara no Teishi (sister) Birth: 972AD Death: 994AD Fujiwara no Michinobu Fujiwara no Michinobu (藤原 道信) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Lady Ukon (daughter? sister?) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Suenawa Fujiwara no Suenawa was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. He was either the father or older brother of Lady Ukon. In the no longer extant Katano no Shosho it says that he[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet / Lady-in-waiting Family: Fujiwara no Suenawa (father? brother?) Birth: fl.10th century Death: – Lady Ukon Lady Ukon (右近) was the daughter or younger sister of Fujiwara no Suenawa who flourished during the 10th century. During her life she was a poet and lady-in-waiting to Fujiwara[...]

See also: Provinces Izumi Province Ise Province (伊勢国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period During the reign of Emperor Suinin his daughter Yamatohime is entrusted with the care of Amaterasu. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Tsugukage (father) Nakatsukasa (daughter) Birth: c.875AD Death: c.938AD Lady Ise Lady Ise (伊勢) was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tsugukage, and therefore a member of the Fujiwara Clan. She was also the mother to Nakatsukasa. She is thought to have lived from[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Sesshō, Sadaijin, Chancellor, Bureau of Poetry Family: Kujō Kanezane (father) Kujō Michiie (son) Kujō Noriie (son) Kujō Motoie (son) Kujō Risshi (daughter) Kujō Yoshisuke (brother) Kujō Yoshitsune (brother) Kujō Yoshihira (brother) Kujō Ninshi (sister) Birth: 1169AD Death: 1206AD Kujō Yoshitsune Kujō Yoshitsune (九条 良経) (Fujiwara[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udajin Family: Fujiwara no Naritoshi (father) Fujiwara no Saneyori (grandfather) Birth: 957AD Death: 1046AD Fujiwara no Sanesuke Fujiwara no Sanesuke (藤原 実資) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 957-1046AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Naritoshi but was later[...]

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Irine For the ancestor of the Haji Clan see: Iirine Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Izumo Furune (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Ihiirine Ihiirine (飯入根) was the brother of Izumo Furune and Umashikarahisa. He gives over some sacred treasures[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ihiirine (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Izumo Furune Izumo Furune (出雲振根) was a man who resided over the Izumo Shrine, and the Sacred Treasures there that had once been brought to earth by the kami Takehiratori. He is said to have been[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Family: Kiyohara no Motosuke (grand-son) Sei Shonagon (great-granddaughter) Prince Toneri (ancestor) Birth: fl.9th/10th Century Death: Kiyohara no Fukayabu Kiyohara no Fukayabu (清原 深養父) was a poet who flourished around the 9th and 10th centuries. He was a descendant of Prince Toneri, grandfather of Motosuke[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Takehaniyasuhiko (husband) Birth: – Death: – Atabime Atabime (吾田媛) was the wife of Takehaniyasuhiko. The nihongi relates how she and her husband led armies to attack Emperor Sujin. Her army attacked from Ohosaka and her husband from Yamashiro Province. Her army was attacked by Kibitsuhiko[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Warrior / Five Daibu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hikokunibuku Hikokunibuku is mentioned in the nihongi and kojiki. Reign of Emperor Sujin During the reign of Emperor Sujin he joins Ohobiko during the war against Takehaniyasuhiko going with him to Yamashiro Province to fight against[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Shido-Shogun Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tambanochinushi Tambanochinushi is mentioned in the nihongi as one of the four men sent out to subdue the provinces during the 10th year of the reign of Emperor Sujin.1 The kojiki does not make mention of him during this[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Ki no Tsurayuki (cousin) Birth: Death: 905AD Ki no Tomonori Ki no Tomonori (紀 友則) was a poet who died around 905AD and is known to have been the cousin to Ki no Tsurayuki. In his life he helped in the compilation of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor Family: Birth: Death: 920AD Harumichi no Tsuraki Harumichi no Tsuraki (春道 列樹) was a Japanese poet who died in 920AD. He graduated from the Imperial Univeristy in his lfietime and then became a Greater Secretary at Dazaifu. He was then given the position[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Shinto Priest Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ichishinonagaochi Ichishinonagaochi is someone we see mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Sujin. Ohominakuchino Sukune alongside Yamatototokamiasachihara Maguhashihime both had dreams saying that Ohotataneko needed to be placed as head priest of Ohomonomushi and Ichishinonagaochi as[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ohominakuchino Sukune Ohominakuchino Sukune was a person mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Sujin. He is said to have had a dream alongside Yamatototokamiasachihara Maguhashihime saying that Ohotataneko needed to be placed as head priest of Ohomonomushi and[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yamatototokamiasachihara Maguhashihime Yamatototokamiasachihara Maguhashihime was a person mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Sujin. She is said to have had a dream alongside Ohominakuchino Sukune saying that Ohotataneko needed to be placed as head priest of Ohomonomushi[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Shinto Priest Family: – Birth: – Death: – Igakashikowo Igakashikowo (伊香色雄命) is a man who lived during the reign of Emperor Sujin. In the kojiki we see that he was instructed by Emperor Sujin to make 80 heavenly platters and to establish shrines to the earthly[...]

Co-ordinates: 34° 32′ 6″ N, 135° 52′ 0″ E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Height: 467.1m Mount Miwa Mount Miwa (三輪山, Miwa-yama) also known as Mount Mimoro (三諸山, Mimoro-yama) is a mountain located in Nara Prefecture. Name Notation in the kojiki says that tname ‘Mi wa’ comes from the three twists of hemp from the tale[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ōkuninushi (husband) Suyetsumimi (father) Kushimigata (son) Ohotataneko (son?) Birth: – Death: – Ikutamayoribime Ikutamayoribime (活玉依毘売) was a woman who became pregnant from Ōkuninushi and together they had Kushimigata (ancestor to Ohotataneko23). It is said she was the daughter of Suyetsumimi.123 The kojiki tells us[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ihigatasumi (son) Ōkuninushi (father) Ikutamayoribime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Kushimigata Kushimigata (櫛御方命) is said to have been the father of Ihigatasumi and child of Ōkuninushi and Ikutamayoribime. This is related in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Takemikadzuchi (son) Kushimigata (father) Birth: – Death: – Ihigatasumi Ihigatasumi (飯肩巣見命) is said to have been the father of Takemikadzuchi and son of Kushimigata. This is related in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”.[...]

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ohotataneko (son) Ihigatasumi (father) Birth: – Death: – Takemikadzuchi Takemikadzuchi (建甕槌命) is said to have been the father of Ohotataneko and child of Ihigatasumi. This is related in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Ohoamahime (mother) Ohohiriki (brother) Tohochinoiribime (sister) Yasakanoiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Nunakinobime Nunakinobime (渟名城入姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Sujin and Ohoamahime.123 The nihongi relates that when the Emperor seperated the worship of Amaterasu and Ōkuninushi, Ōkuninushi was placed under her care.[...]

Hangonkō Hangonkō (返魂香 – Soul-returning Incense) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is a type of fictious incense that can conjur images of the dead in its smoke. The story related by Toriyama Sekien and this creature is that of the Chinese[...]

Ningyo Ningyo (人魚 – Mermaid) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is made up of a human face and fish body with no legs. From the chest up it resembles a human, and below that resembles a fish. It is said to[...]

Ninmenju Ninmenju (人面樹 – Human-faced tree) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to live in valleys and take the form of human heads growing on a tree. They do not speak but laugh constantly, their laughter causing them to fall from[...]

Shokuin Shokuin (燭陰 – Torch Shadow) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is a dragon with a human face, a body that is 1000 leagues long and is scarlet in colour. When he closes his eyes there is darkness, and when he opens[...]

Shinkirō Shinkirō (蜃気楼 – Mirage) is a type of mirage yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The creature itself is a type of giant clam capable of creating illusions out in the ocean. The mirage in question it creates is that of the city of Horai a fabled land[...]

Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Konjaku Hyakki Shūi (今昔百鬼拾遺 – More of the Demon Horde from Past and Present) is a compendium of Yōkai, demons and ghosts compiled by Toriyama Sekien, published in 1780/81. The books were inspired by the 10th Century Demon Horde’s Night Parade. These books, alongside the previous book, the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō, Konjaku Gazu Zoku[...]

Fudoki Fudoki (風土記) are ancient records concerning the old provinces of Japan. These records being ordered by Empress Genmei in 713AD.1 Surviving Examples The most substantial ones which have survived at the Bungo Fudoki, Harima Fudoki, Hitachi Fudoki, Hizen Fudoki and Izumo Fudoki, with the Izumo version the only one[...]

Stars This page serves to list anything relating to the Stars in Japanese History. Orion Orion (オリオン大星雲) is associated with the kami Uhatsutsuo, Nakatsutsuo and Sokotsutsunoo. And they are invoked in Hymn 26.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi (mother) Toyokiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Toyosukiiribime Toyosukiiribime (豊鍬入姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Sujin and Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi. The kojiki states that she was High Priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine.12 The Jinnō Shōtōki states that during the reign of Sujin,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Mimakihime (mother) Emperor Suinin (brother) Kunikatahime (sister) Chijitsukuyamatohime (sister) Igahime (sister) Yamatohiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Izanomawaka Izanomawaka was the son of Emperor Sujin and Mimakihime.123 His name is alternatively written as Ikatsuruhiko (五十日鶴彦命) in the Nihongi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Ohobiko (father) Emperor Sujin (husband) Emperor Suinin (son) Izanomawaka (son) Kunikatahime (daughter) Chijitsukuyamatohime (daughter) Igahime (daughter) Yamatohiko (son) Birth: – Death: – Mimakihime Mimakihime (御間城姫) was the wife of Emperor Sujin, and together they had Emperor Suinin, Izanomawaka, Kunikatahime, Chijitsukuyamatohime, Yamatohiko123 and Igahime.23 The nihongi[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: fl. early 12th century Death: – Minamoto no Kanemasa Minamoto no Kanemasa (源 兼昌) flourished during the early 12th century, In his lifetime he was a part of the poetic circle of Emperor Horikawa and we can find seven of his poems[...]

The Greengrocer’s Daughter The Greengrocer’s Daughter is a tale stemming from the Edo Period and which led to the superstition of a woman born in the year hinoe-uma is a great worry for the family. The story goes that in 1681 there was a girl called Oshichi who fell in[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Emperor Saga (Great-Grandfather) Birth: 880AD Death: 951AD Minamoto no Hitoshi Minamoto no Hitoshi (源等) was the great-grandson of Emperor Saga, living from 880-951AD. During his lifetime he was Governor of several important provinces and in 947AD he recieved the rank of General of the Fourth Rank.[...]

For the character from Folklore see – Otohime Sama Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Otohime Otohime (弟比売命)[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Matonuhime Matonuhime (真砥野比売命) was the daughter of Taniha no Kahakami no Masu[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fun’ya no Yasuhide (father) Birth: fl. 9th/10th Century Death: – Fun’ya no Asayasu Fun’ya no Asayasu (文屋 朝康) was a low ranking official and poet who was son to Fun’ya no Yasuhide. He flourished between the 9th and 10th century. We know during[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Okinaganomidzuyorihime (daughter) Amenomikage Amenomikage (天之御影神) was a Shinto kami and father to Okinaganomidzuyorihime. It is said he was reverred by the priests of Mikami in Chikatsu Afumi.12 His name is used as a epitaph in the Hymns for shrines and palaces.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Ohōmata (father) Unakami (brother) Birth: – Death: – Aketatsu Aketatsu (曙立王) was the son of Ohōmata. He is said to have been the ancestor of the Homujibe no kimi and the Ise no Sana no miyatsuko. We see him later mentioned in the kojiki during[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, chūnagon Family: Fujiwara no Toshimoto (father) Fujiwara no Tametoki (grandson) Murasaki Shikibu (great-granddaughter) Birth: 877AD Death: 933AD Fujiwara no Kanesuke Fujiwara no Kanesuke (藤原 兼輔) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of the family. He lived from 877-933AD. He was[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Oketsuhime (mother) Many wives and children see below. Birth: – Death: – Hikoimasu Hikoimasu (彦坐王) was the son of Emperor Kaika and Oketsuhime.123 He is additonally said to have had several wives and many children. Family With his first wife[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Ikagashikome (mother) Emperor Sujin (brother) Birth: – Death: – Mimatsuhime Mimatsuhime (御間城姫) was the daughter of Emperor Kaika and Ikagashikome according to the record of the nihongi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest[...]

Dragons Currently this page will aim to serve as a place to gather the different Dragons on the website. Further down the line we will change this page to include the imagery and culture behind them in Japan. Currently we have the following Dragons listed on the site: Yamato no[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Takanohime (mother) Ohotsutsukitarine (son) Sanugitarine (son) Birth: – Death: – Hikoyumusumi Hikoyumusumi (彦湯産隅命) was the son of Emperor Kaika and Takanohime.123 The kojiki additionally states he had two sons by the names of Ohotsutsukitarine and Sanugitarine.23 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi[...]

Reign: 158-98BC Born: 208BC Period: Legendery Period Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Takanohime (wife) Hikoyumusumi (son) Ikagashikome (wife/step mum) Emperor Sujin (son) Mimatsuhime (daughter) Oketsuhime (wife) Hikoimasu (son) Washihime (wife) Taketayohadzurawake (son) Burial place: misasagi in Isakaha Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōgen  * Successor Emperor Sujin Emperor Kaika[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk, daisōjō Family: Fujiwara no Tadamichi (father) Kanoe no Motozane (brother) Fujiwara no Motofusa (brother) Kujō no Kanezane (brother) Fujiwara no Kanefusa (brother) Fujiwara no Masako (sister) Fujiwara no Ikushi (adopted sister) Fujiwara no Teishi (adopted sister) Birth: c.1155AD Death: 1225AD Jien Jien[...]

See also: List of Provinces Awa Province Awa Province (阿波国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. According to the kojiki the kami Ōgetsuhime dwelt here.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.[...]

See also: List of Provinces Iyo Province Iyo Province (伊予国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Branches of the Date Clan are known to have controlled the Yoshida and Uwajima Domains in this province.1 The kojiki states that this place is inhabited by the kami Ehime. Heian Period[...]

See also: List of Provinces Sanuki Province Sanuki Province (讃岐国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. The kojiki states it is inhabited by the kami Iiyorohiko.3 Heian Period In 866AD we see Sugawara no Michizane appointed as Governor of this province. A position which he held for 4[...]

See also: List of Provinces Suruga Province Suruga Province (駿河国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Legendary Period Yamato Takeru was tasked to go subdue the Yemishi who lived on the periphery of the realm, on his way he travels through Suruga according to the Nihongi. However the[...]

See also: List of Provinces Shinano Province Shinano Province (信濃国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Folktales The folktale The Clever Boar and Monkey is set in this province.5 Legenedary Period Yamanobe no Ohotaka passed through here on his way to catch a swan for the Prince Homutsuwake.4[...]

See also: Provinces Kibi Province Kibi Province (吉備国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period According to one tale in the Nihongi, Susano-o killed the dragon Yamata no Orochi using the blade Orochi no Karasabi. This sword was eventually given into the care of the Kambe of[...]